Pitt secures commitments from 2 more transfers: defensive end David Ojiegbe, tight end Jake Overman

The results of Pitt’s venture into the transfer portal won’t be completely known until the end of the 2024 season, but it’s clear coach Pat Narduzzi considers that avenue an important road toward rebuilding his program.

Narduzzi claimed his seventh and eighth verbal commitments from transfers Tuesday when former Clemson defensive end David Ojiegbe and tight end Jake Overman, formerly of Oregon State, announced on X their intentions to enroll next year.

COMMITTED #H2P@CoachPartridge @Pitt_FB pic.twitter.com/fpZxQIXLK3

— David Ojiegbe???? (@bigbossdae) December 19, 2023

Hail to Pitt! ???????? pic.twitter.com/Wv64fb6eJg

— JAKE OVERMAN...???????? (@jakeovermanz) December 20, 2023

Ojiegbe was a four-star prospect in the class of 2023 from St. John’s College High School in Washington D.C. He was ranked the No. 2 prospect in the Maryland/Washington D.C. area and No. 17 defensive end in the nation, according to Rivals.com. As a senior, he recorded 16 sacks among his 30 tackles for loss.

A year ago, Ojiegbe (6-foot-3, 240 pounds) chose Clemson over offers from Pitt, Miami, Michigan, North Carolina, Penn State, Tennessee, Virginia Tech, West Virginia and others.

Ojiegba played in only two games this season before deciding to transfer with four years of eligibility remaining.

After losing Sam Okunlola and DeAndre Jules to the portal, Narduzzi and his staff have focused on reinforcing the defensive line, securing transfers from Ojiegbe, former Indiana tackle Nick James and Nate Matlack, an end from Kansas State.

Also, senior end Nate Temple entered the portal before changing his mind and telling Narduzzi he wants to return.

Overman (6-4, 245) entered the transfer portal after four games this year to save his redshirt season. He caught eight passes for 70 yards in his 37-game career since 2020. He enters a deep tight end room with Gavin Bartholomew and Karter Johnson as the chief receiving threats.